THE SAFEWAY HOLIDAY ICE RINK PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE RETURNS TO UNION SQUARE FOR ITS 19TH YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Julie Richter, Assembly Public Relations | moc.rpylbmessa@eiluj
Kevin Kopjak, Prismatic Communications | moc.fscitamsirp@nivek

San Francisco’s holiday skating tradition opens November 4 as shoppers, visitors and new businesses return to the heart of the city

*** November 4, 2026 – January 18, 2027 ***

SAN FRANCISCO (October 5, 2026)— Willy Bietak Productions today announced the return of The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente, for its 19th season. The rink will be open from Wednesday, November 4, 2026, through Monday, January 18, 2027, with 11 weeks of skating, special events, and free weekend lessons in the center of San Francisco’s downtown.

“Downtown is the heart of San Francisco’s comeback, and you can feel it. People are coming back, new businesses are opening their doors, and the streets are alive again,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “This year’s holiday ice rink gives residents and visitors one more reason to head to Union Square to eat, shop, and support the small businesses that make this area shine. It’s a tradition we all love, and I’m looking forward to seeing the holiday spirit light up the ice and the whole neighborhood.”

This season’s skaters will find a busier Union Square. More than 9.1 million people have visited the district so far this year, up 7.7% from 2025, according to the Union Square Alliance. New stores including BAPE and McMullen have opened nearby, with Super Duper Burgers and Los Angeles Apparel coming soon. The rink is steps from Powell Street BART, Muni and the cable car turnaround.

“Union Square is the heart of San Francisco, and this holiday season, you can feel that energy returning to the district,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance. “New stores are opening, visitors are coming back, and there is a renewed sense of excitement throughout the Square. For nearly two decades, the ice rink has been a beloved holiday tradition, and we are thrilled to welcome skaters back for its 19th year and once again make Union Square the place where the holidays begin in San Francisco.”

“Union Square during the holidays is one of those places that reminds you why San Francisco is so special,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Sarah Madland. “For nearly two decades, the ice rink has brought families, friends and visitors together in the heart of the city. There’s something pretty magical about lacing up your skates and getting out on the ice surrounded by the lights and energy of downtown.”

The season opens with an evening ceremony hosted by Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez, featuring an on-ice hula hoop performance by Deanna Panin and performances by San Francisco Ice Theatre. Local dignitaries and special guests will join skaters of all ages for the first official skate of the season. Guests are welcome to skate before and after the celebration. The first 100 guests skate for free during the 5:30 and 7 p.m. sessions; registration required.

New this season, Mid-Week Merriment brings a different theme to the ice every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. The series begins November 11 with Onesies Wednesday and continues with The Rhinestone Rink, a country-glam night on November 18, Holiday Movie Music Night on December 9, Y2K Nostalgic New Year on December 29 and Rivals on Ice, a night inspired by hockey rivalries, on January 13. Skaters are encouraged to dress the part.

“Kaiser Permanente is proud to continue its sponsorship of The Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, which is one of San Francisco’s most beloved traditions,” said Abhishek Dosi, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Golden Gate service area. “We know this ice rink brings joy to many and provides a way for families and the community to spend time together in a healthy, active way.”

SIGNATURE EVENTS FOR THE 2026-2027 SEASON

The ice skating season brings back fan-favorites events, while introducing fresh experiences that are sure to become traditions:

OPENING CELEBRATION
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5–7 p.m. 
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente will open with a festive evening ceremony to kick off the holiday ice skating season. Guests are invited to skate before and after the celebration, which will include on-ice performances. Additional special guests will include local dignitaries and celebrities, who will take to the ice alongside guests of all ages for the first official skate of the season. The first 100 guests skate for free during the 5:30pm and 7pm sessions; registration required. 

FLASHBACK FRIDAYS PRESENTED BY GREATEST HITS 103.7
November 27, December 18 & January 15 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions
Get ready to rewind the clock and skate to the sounds of the 1980s! Join us for Flashback Fridays—a totally tubular night of throwback jams, big hair, and even bigger energy. Greatest Hits 103.7 will be live at the rink, spinning iconic tracks from legends like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince, Pat Benatar and more. Break out the neon, lace up those skates, and let’s party like it’s 1985. It’s going to be radical!

DRAG ON ICE
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6:30–8 p.m. $35pp
Get ready for a night that shimmers, shines, and slays! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente is proud to welcome back Drag on Ice—San Francisco’s most dazzling celebration of holiday spirit and self-expression.

Experience the sparkle like never before as local drag superstars bring the glam to the ice with unforgettable performances full of sass, style, and seasonal magic. Whether you’re skating alongside the drag performers or cheering them on from the sidelines, this is one festive night you won’t want to miss.

SILENT SKATE PARTY
One Night. Three DJs. Endless Vibes.
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions. $35pp
The fan-favorite Silent Skate Party is back at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente—for one night only! Get ready to glide, groove, and vibe at this one-of-a-kind silent disco on ice.

Throw on a pair of wireless headphones, choose your channel, and skate to the beats of WiLD 94.9’s Majestichris, Star 101.3’s Magic Matt, or the Bay Area’s own DJ Von—each spinning live on-site with their signature sound. It’s an immersive on-ice dance party where you control the music and the moves. Lace up. Tune in. Let loose.

POLAR BEAR SKATE
Friday, January 1, 2027 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. $30pp
Start the year with a splash of boldness at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente! Inspired by the famous Canadian tradition, our New Year’s Day Polar Bear Skate invites skaters of all ages to hit the ice in their most outrageous swimwear on ice in the heart of Union Square!

Break out your beachwear, bring the sunshine vibes, and skate into the new year in style. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed based on theme, creativity, and all-around fabulousness. It’s chilly, it’s cheeky, and it’s the coolest way to kick off 2027.

ONGOING PROGRAMMING

LEARN TO SKATE PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE 
Saturdays & Sundays | 8–9 a.m.
Kaiser Permanente invites skaters with little-to-no experience to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente to learn from professional skate instructors every weekend. Lessons are free (including skate rental) to those who sign up in advance. Space is limited to 50 participants per day. Reservations will be allotted through a lottery system. 

CLASSICAL SUNDAYS PRESENTED BY CLASSICAL CALIFORNIA
Sundays I 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. sessions
Every Sunday, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente transforms for the Classical Sunday skate sessions! Glide gracefully on the rink as you immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of classical music, brought to you by Classical California. Enjoy skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.

MID-WEEK MERRIMENT

Wednesdays | 8:30 p.m. session
Make Wednesday nights the highlight of your week with Mid-Week Merriment, a playful series of themed 8:30 p.m. skating sessions at the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. From cozy onesies and country sparkle to holiday movie favorites, global celebrations, nostalgic hits, and more, each week brings a new reason to dress up, gather your crew, and create unforgettable memories on the ice. 

November 11 — Onesies Wednesday
Cozy up in your favorite onesie and skate beneath the lights to upbeat holiday hits. Matching looks for families and friends are encouraged—just save the slippers for off the ice!

November 18 — The Rhinestone Rink
Add a little country sparkle to the holidays with a night inspired by big hair, rhinestones, boots, and uplifting country music. Come dressed in your most fabulous country-glam look and skate to Dolly, Kacey, and all your other country favorites.

November 25 — Friendsgiving
Gather your favorite people for a festive night on the ice celebrating friendship and togetherness. Skate with your crew, snap a group photo, and enjoy a feel-good playlist as you kick off the Thanksgiving festivities.

December 2 — White Out
Wear your brightest whites and light up the rink! Glide beneath the lights while enjoying festive music, cool winter vibes, and an unforgettable night on the ice. 

December 9 — Holiday Movie Music Night
Skate to memorable songs and scores from beloved holiday movies—without ever leaving the ice. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite holiday movie character for an added touch of cinematic fun.

December 16 — Holidays Around the World
Take a musical journey around the globe with seasonal songs and contemporary favorites celebrating cultures and traditions from around the world. 

December 23 — Naughty or N-Ice
Are you feeling naughty or n-ice? Dress to match your holiday mood and hit the ice for a playful evening of festive music, themed photo moments, and seasonal fun. 

December 29 — Y2K Nostalgic New Year
Party like it’s 1999 at Y2K Nostalgic New Year on December 29! Break out your best throwback looks and skate into the New Year early with iconic hits and retro vibes. 

January 6 — K-Pop Countdown Skate
Kick off 2027 with K-pop’s biggest hits, fan favorites, and dance-worthy anthems. Dress in your favorite group’s colors, bring your light sticks, and skate your way toward 2027.

January 13 — Rivals on Ice
Choose your side and bring some friendly competition to the rink for a playful night inspired by hockey rivalries and romance on ice. Wear your favorite team colors and enjoy high-energy music and photo moments.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

The rink operates daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (closing at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, 2026), with 60-minute sessions starting every 1.5 hours. Tickets are $22 for general admission and $17 for children 8 and under, including skate rental. Additional rentals available: lockers ($5), skate helpers ($6), gloves ($5), and socks ($5).

Private parties are available select Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4–7 p.m. for groups up to 250 guests. Blackout dates apply.

All tickets must be purchased in advance at unionsquareicerink.com. A portion of proceeds benefits the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

SPONSORS

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente is supported by sponsors including Safeway, Kaiser Permanente, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Parc 55 San Francisco, San Francisco Marriott Union Square, The Marker San Francisco, Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hotel Emblem, John’s Grill, KTSF26, Classic California, BART, SFMTA, STAR 101.3, 98.1 The Breeze, 106.1 KMEL, Greatest Hits 103.7, WiLD 94.9, PRIDE Radio, NBC Bay Area, Yelp and Telemundo 48.

CONNECT WITH US

Connect with us using #unionsquarerink and follow on Facebook (Facebook.com/UnionSquareRink), Instagram (@UnionSquareRink), and TikTok (@unionsquarerink).

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About Willy Bietak Productions
Los Angeles-based Willy Bietak Productions is a full-service production company specializing in the development and production of high-quality family entertainment. With a staff of award-winning designers, directors, choreographers and musical arrangers—backed by a talented production and management team—Willy Bietak Productions conceives, packages and tours international entertainment spectaculars as well as special events. For more information, please visit bietakproductions.com.

About the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department currently manages more than 220 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced. In 2017, San Francisco became the first and only city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city.